Nesting container and nesting container assembly

ABSTRACT

An interlocking or mating container and container system are presented herein. In particular, the system includes a plurality of adjacently disposed (side-by-side, end-to-end and stacked) containers that are dimensioned to maximize the available space on a pallet, for example, a 463-L Pallet, HCU-6/E Pallet or other pallet. The containers include enlarged wheels, one or more support feet, and a handle assembly. The containers are configured to include a plurality of interlocking or mating portions such as one or more wheel assembly receiving portions, one or more foot receiving portions, outer extensions or engaging portions, and a handle engaging portion. The Interlocking or mating portions are configured to matingly engage or abut corresponding portions of an adjacent container and at least partially restrict movement there between.

CLAIM OF PRIORITY/CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is a continuation patent application ofpreviously-filed, currently-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/838,947 filed on Aug. 28, 2015, the contents of which areincorporated herein in its entirety by reference, and which is based onand claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to provisional patentapplication Ser. No. 62/043,588, having a filing date of Aug. 29, 2014,the contents of which are also incorporated herein their entirety byreference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to an interlocking or other containerwith enlarged wheels which, in certain embodiments, is structured andsized to maximize available space in a pallet (e.g., 463-L Pallet,HCU-6/E Pallet, or other pallets), while reducing the time and worknecessary for a user to load and unload the container, transport thecontainer, and stack or load and unload the pallet.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The transportation of goods, equipment, or materials is often conductedor facilitated by stacking or otherwise placing the items on a palletfor loading and subsequent unloading to and from transportationvehicles, including, for example, trucks, trains, planes, etc. Inparticular, and for exemplary purposes only, the United States militarybranches and/or organizations such as the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force,Coast Guard, Federal Emergency Management Administration, and otherDepartment of Defense organizations, as well as those operated orexisting in foreign or non-U.S. countries, oftentimes use a standardsize pallet such as a 463-L Pallet and/or HCU-6/E Pallet, althoughothers may be used.

A number of inefficiencies and problems exist in the currently usedmanner of transporting traditional containers to and from the pallets,and loading, stacking or unloading materials or items on or from thepallets for shipment. For example, in the military environment, militarypersonnel are often tasked with loading containers or boxes withequipment, clothing, materials, etc. and bringing those containers orboxes to the pallet for loading onto the pallet. The containers or boxesare oftentimes extremely heavy, bulky and difficult to transport,especially over unfinished surfaces (such as gravel, sand, grass, etc.)commonly present in the military environments.

Moreover, the containers or boxes, which are generally of a non-uniformshape and size, are then loaded onto the pallet—a time-consuming andextremely labor intensive task. For example, loading the traditionalcontainers or boxes onto the pallet may require guesswork and/ortrial-and-error in order to position or orient the traditionalcontainers to fit on the pallet in an optimum manner, position ororientation. Once loaded, the non-uniform shape and size of thecontainers or boxes create an excessive amount of wasted space betweenthe items or containers. Finally, a packed pallet can oftentimes beunsteady and can collapse before, during or after shipment creating adangerous situation and environment for crew and passengers of thevessel, ship or other vehicle used to transport the pallet.

Accordingly, there is a need for a stacking and/or interlockingcontainer for use in connection with the transportation of equipment,materials, items, etc. via a pallet, including, but not limited to the463-L Pallet. The proposed container(s) may include enlarged wheels anda handle assembly for easy transportation along unfinished or unevensurfaces (e.g., gravel, sand, grass, etc.) and can be sized to fitneatly on the pallet with minimal or no wasted space in between. Theproposed containers may be easily and intuitively stacked viainterlocking and/or abutting portions therein and are configured suchthat a person need not guess as to which direction or orientation thecontainers can be stacked or interlocked with one another. For instance,it is visually clear that the wheels of one container fit withincorresponding wheel receiving portions of another container.

Further, certain embodiments of the proposed containers of the presentinvention may include interlocking members, such as positive andnegative shapes, cast onto the outer surfaces thereof, allowing adjacentor stacked containers to be interlocked with one another. Theinterlocking and/or abutting capabilities restricts or preventsmovement, shifting and ultimate collapse of the containers, for example,before, during or after transportation of the pallet.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is generally directed to a container that mayengage, abut, interlock, or otherwise connect or nest with other likeadjacent, adjoining or bordering containers positioned and stackedabove, below, beside and end-to-end to one another. The containers ofcertain embodiments of the present invention are dimensioned in order tomaximize the usable space of a pallet, including, but not limited to a463-L Pallet, HCU-6/E Pallet, or other pallets, when used in concertwith other like containers. To secure the containers on a pallet orotherwise in a connected, adjoining relation to one another, the usermay push or position the containers into adjacent like containers,either front-to-back, side-to-side, or on top of one another. Thenesting and cooperative configuration of the containers are alsostructured to restrict or prevent lateral and horizontal slipping ormovement between the containers, for example, during transport.

For example, the containers of the various embodiments of the presentinvention include one or more interlocking, mating, or engaging portionsthat are cooperatively structured to receive, engage or mate withcorresponding portions of an adjacently disposed, adjoining or borderingcontainer, whether end-to-end, side-to-side or stacked. Particularly,one of the interlocking, mating or engaging portions may include a wheelassembly receiving portion disposed on an upper area of the container(e.g., at least partially on a lid) and configured to matingly receivethe wheel assembly of an adjacent or adjoining container disposed in astacked manner. Similarly, one of the interlocking, mating or engagingportions may include a foot receiving portion disposed on an upper areaof the container and configured to matingly receive one or more feet ofa stacked container.

Other interlocking, mating or engaging portions may include outerextension portions extending outward from the sides or ends of thecontainer which laterally mate with corresponding extension portionsfrom an adjacent or adjoining container disposed in a side-by-side orend-to-end manner. The outwardly protruding extension portions arecorrespondingly positioned on the sides and/or ends of the container(s)such that they line up laterally or next to the correspondingprotrusions of an adjacent or adjoining container.

Yet another interlocking, mating or engaging portion of at least oneembodiment may include a handle engaging portion that is structured andconfigured to receive and at last partially engage or retain a handlefrom an adjacent or adjoining container. The handle engage portion maythus slidingly receive the handle from an adjacent or adjoiningcontainer therein and thereby restrict movement between the containersin at least one direction.

In order to move a single container, the user may grab a handle assemblyand lift the container slightly at the front (to disengage the foot, andengage the wheels). Using the mechanical leverage of the handle assemblyand the wheels, the user is able to push, pull or otherwise move thecontainer in the desired direction.

Additional features may include single or double walled reinforcedconstruction providing superior strength and integrity to the container.For example, in at least one embodiment, the container may include anupper lip or edge upon which the lid rests or engages. The upper lip oredge may be constructed with a reinforced double walled configurationproviding added strength and integrity and allowing the container towithstand heavy stacked loads. The lip may be supported, for example,vertically, by at least one wall, whether single or double walled. Theat least one wall may include a corrugated, honeycomb or other likeconfiguration having a plurality of alternating recesses and protrusionsthat provide additional strength and integrity to the container, as awhole.

These and other objects, features and advantages of the presentinvention will become more apparent when the drawings as well as thedetailed description are taken into consideration.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front-left perspective view of a container disclosed inaccordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the container illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a rear view of the container illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 4 is a left side view of the container illustrated in FIGS. 1through 3.

FIG. 5 is a right side view of the container illustrated in FIGS. 1through 4.

FIG. 6 is a top view of the container illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 5.

FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the container illustrated in FIGS. 1 through6.

FIG. 8 is a rear perspective view of the container illustrated in FIGS.1 through 7.

FIG. 9 is a bottom perspective view of the container illustrated inFIGS. 1 thorough 8.

FIG. 10 is a top view of two containers disposed in an adjacent,side-by-side, lateral relation to one another, as disclosed inaccordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a rear perspective view of two containers disposed in anadjacent, stacked relation to one another, as disclosed in accordancewith at least one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a front perspective view of two containers disposed in anadjacent, stacked relation to one another, as disclosed in accordancewith at least one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of two containers disposed in an adjacent,end-to-end relation to one another, as disclosed in accordance with atleast one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a top perspective view of a container as disclosed inaccordance with at least one embodiment, with the lid open.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the container system or assemblycomprising a plurality of adjacent containers disposed on a pallet, asdisclosed in accordance with at least one embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 16A is a top perspective view of a container comprising adouble-walled construction, as disclosed in accordance with at least oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16B is a cut-away view of the container with a double-walledconstruction along line 16B-16B, as illustrated in FIG. 16A.

FIG. 17A is a top perspective view of a container comprising asingle-walled construction, as disclosed in accordance with at least oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17B is a cut-away view of the container with a single-walledconstruction along line 17B-17B, as illustrated in FIG. 17A.

Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several viewsof the drawings provided herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As shown in the accompanying drawings, and with particular reference toFIGS. 1 and 15, for example, the present invention is directed to acontainer 20 and container system or assembly 100 for facilitating thetransportation or shipment of goods, materials, equipment, and otheritems. As described herein, certain embodiments of the container(s) 20may, but need not be used in connection with standard pallet sizes,including, but not limited to a 463-L Pallet, HCU-6/E Pallet, etc. Forexample, in at least one embodiment, the dimensions of the container 20may be formed or constructed so that when it is interlocked with,connected to or placed side-by-side, end-to-end, and/or stacked withadditional adjacent or adjoining containers 20 of a similar constructionand configuration in order to form a container system or assembly 100,the container system or assembly 100 of at least one embodiment will fiton the pallet 110, and in certain embodiments may use or occupysubstantially all of the space provided on the pallet (e.g., 463-L orHCU-6/E pallet). As an example, the containers 20 may be placedside-by-side (e.g., three wide), front-to-back or end-to-end (e.g.,three deep) and stacked top to bottom (e.g., four tall) to create acube, cuboid or system of containers 20 that may be easily andefficiently placed onto the pallet for transportation.

It should also be noted that the container(s) 20 of the variousembodiments described herein need not be used in connection withmilitary or other pallets, and can instead be used individually or inconjunction with other similarly constructed and configured containers20. Some embodiments of the containers 20 may function as a cooler,insulated box, portable ice chest or other like container that can beused to maintain a generally consistent temperature (e.g., cool or warm)therein.

In any event, the container 20 of at least one embodiment includes a boxor base 1 defining an interior portion 5 (see, e.g., FIG. 14) and an atleast partially open top portion. A lid 2 may be included and disposablein an at least partially covering and removable relation to the base 1.Specifically, the base 1 may be structured to include a bottom wall orbottom portion 22, a plurality of at least two oppositely disposed sidewalls 23, 24, an at least two oppositely disposed end walls, such as afront wall 25 and a rear wall 26. As described herein, the base 1 of atleast one embodiment of the present invention is structured andconfigured to define an open portion (e.g., at the top) and an interiorportion 5 for receiving and retaining items therein.

Furthermore, in at least one embodiment, the base 1 includes arotationally molded plastic box measuring between approximately 27 and29 inches wide, approximately 22 to 23 inches tall, and approximately 34to 35 inches long, although other dimensions and materials may becontemplated and included within the full spirit and scope of thevarious embodiments of the present invention. In addition, the lid 2, ofat least one exemplary embodiment may be rotationally molded fromplastic and may measure approximately 34 and 35 inches long, betweenapproximately 4 and 6 inches tall, and approximately 27 inches wide atits longest/widest points. Of course, other dimensions and materials forthe lid 2 may be contemplated and included within the full spirit andscope of the various embodiments of the present invention.

In some embodiments, a cavity, lid retention portion, or ridge mayextend around an upper surface 3 of the base 1, for example, at leastpartially around the open portion 5 which facilitates a tight and secureconnection between the base 1 and the lid 2. Furthermore, in at leastone embodiment, a silicone or other like gasket (not shown) may bedisposed at least partially around the upper surface 3 of the base 1 forengagement or contact with the lid 2. In this manner, the lid 2 may bepivotally mounted to the box or base 1 and pivoted into an open and/orclosed relation. Other connections, such as sliding engagement may becontemplated. In further embodiments, the lid 2 may be completelyremoved from the box or base 1.

Furthermore, as shown in the drawings and described herein, the base 1of at least one embodiment of the present invention includes at leastone, but in many cases, a plurality of interlocking, receiving, engagingand/or movement restriction portions, generally referenced as 30. Aswill be described herein, the plurality of interlocking, mating orengaging portions 30 of the present invention are structured to receive,engage, mate or nest with corresponding portions of a juxtaposed,adjacent or adjoining (e.g., laterally or side-to-side, end-to-end, orstacked) container 20′ of a similar or identical construction orconfiguration such that the two containers 20, 20′ cooperatively nestwith one another. For instance, in at least one embodiment, theinterlocking, mating or engaging portions 30 may include one or morerecesses that receive corresponding portions (e.g., one or more wheels,one or more feet, one or more handles) from an adjacent or adjoiningcontainer 20′ or one or more protrusions or positive members thatcooperatively engage, mate or abut with corresponding portions (e.g.,corresponding protrusions) from an adjacent or adjoining container 20′.In this manner, the positive and/or negative interlocking, mating orengaging portions 30 of the various embodiments of the present inventionmay engage, mate or interlock with one another in order to at leastpartially restrict movement between the container 20 and the adjacent oradjoining container 20′ in at least one direction (e.g., forward andbackward, side to side, twisting, etc.) For example, referring to FIGS.1 through 10, at least one embodiment of the present invention includesone or more interlocking, mating or engaging portions 30 defined as atleast one external protrusion or mating portion 40, 42 that isconfigured and disposed to mate or engage with similar externalprotrusion(s) or mating portions 40′, 42′ of an adjacent or adjoiningcontainer 20′ (FIG. 10). Particularly, external protrusion(s) or matingportions 40, 42 of at least one embodiment are positive, outwardlyextending members, such as ledges or other like structures thatcooperatively engage with other cooperatively structured andcorresponding portions of the adjacent or adjoining container 20′. Inthe embodiment shown, the external protrusions or mating portions 40, 42are disposed on opposite lateral sides of the container 20, for example,on or near the side walls 23, 24 or a corresponding lip or edge 28.Particularly, each side of the container 20 in the embodimentillustrated includes two external protrusions or mating portions 40,42—one near the front (e.g., proximate the juncture between the sidewalls 23, 24 and the front wall 25) and one near the rear (e.g.,proximate the juncture between the side walls 23, 24 and the rear wall26). However, it should be noted that other embodiments may include moreor fewer external protrusions or mating portions 40, 42 disposed indifferent locations about the exterior of the container 20, includingalong the side walls 23, 24, end walls 25, 26, lip 28 or otherportion(s) of the container 20.

Referring to FIG. 10, the external protrusions or mating portions 40,42, for example, on one side of the container 20, are cooperativelypositioned such that when an adjacently disposed or adjoining container20′ (such as laterally disposed or side-by-side container, as shown byarrows in FIG. 10) is disposed next to the container 20, the matingportions 40, 42 of one container 20 will substantially match up or alignwith and laterally engage the mating portions 40′, 42′ of the adjacentcontainer 20′. For example, on the same side of container 20, one matingportion 42 may be offset from the corresponding or closest corner of thecontainer 20 a different distance than a second mating portion 40 isoffset from its corresponding or closest corner of the container 20. Theoffset distances are determined such that when an adjacent or adjoiningcontainer 20′ of a similar construction is rotated (e.g., 180 degrees)and adjacently aligned (as shown in FIG. 10), the mating portion 42 ofcontainer 20 will laterally mate or engage with the correspondingpositioned mating portion 40′ of adjacent or adjoining container 20′,and the mating portion 40 of the container 20 will mate or engage withthe correspondingly positioned mating portion 42′ of the adjacent oradjoining container 20′.

Particularly, because the mating portions 40, 42 extend at leastpartially outward from the container 20, the mating portions 40, 42 eachinclude at least one lateral edge or surface 43 that extends from thecontainer 20. The lateral surfaces 43 and 43′ will mate or engage withone another thereby preventing or at least partially restrictingmovement between the container 20 and laterally disposed adjacent oradjoining container 20′ in at least one direction, such as, in a frontto back linear direction. Rotational movement between the containers 20,20′ is also restricted by the mating or engaging side-to-side relationthere between.

It should be noted that the side walls 23, 24 and/or the front and rearwalls 25, 26 (or a corresponding ledge or lip thereof) of one or moreembodiments of the present invention may include offset abutting membersor ledges or cooperative positive and negative interlocking members.Other interlocking or abutting members structured to restrict lateral,rotational or other movement of adjacently disposed or engagedcontainers are contemplated and within the full spirit and scope of thepresent invention.

Referring back to FIGS. 1 and 2, in at least one embodiment, the presentinvention includes a lid securing or closure assembly 50 extendingbetween the lid 2 and the base 1 of the container 20 in order to atleast partially secure the lid 2 in a closed orientation. For example,the lid securing or closure assembly 50 of at least one embodiment mayinclude a pivoting or other movable structure fixedly secured to the lid2 and removably securable to the base 1, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Forexample, in one embodiment, the lid securing or closure assembly 50 mayinclude a rubber (or other) T-handle or T-bracket, as shown, that pivotsinto and out of a securing relation between the lid 2 and the base 1.However, it should be noted that the reverse may be contemplated,meaning that the pivoting or other movable structure of the lid securingassembly 50 may be fixedly secured to the base 1 and removably securableto the lid 2.

Still referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the lid securing or closure assembly50 of at least one embodiment may be substantially or completelyrecessed when disposed in the secured relation (as shown), or otherwise,when the lid 2 is securely held to the base 1 via the lid securing orclosure assembly 50. Accordingly, as mentioned above, in one embodiment,the lid closure assembly 50, which may be in the form of a “T-bracket”or other lock, may be at least partially recessed within the base 1, andin particular, within at least one of the external protrusions or matingportions 42. In this manner, when the lid 2 is closed onto the base 1, auser may pivot or maneuver the T-bracket or other lid securing assembly50 downward and into an engaging and at least partially recessedrelation into a correspondingly positioned external protrusion or matingportion 42. Thus, the external protrusion or mating portion 42 of atleast one embodiment, may include a recessed channel cooperativelystructured and dimensioned to removably receive and engage the lidclosure assembly 50 therein.

Referring to FIGS. 1 through 9, at least one embodiment of the presentinvention further includes a wheel assembly, generally referenced as 60,comprising at least one, but more practically, a plurality of at leasttwo wheels 62, such as, for example, enlarged or heavy duty wheels. Inparticular, each of the wheels 62 may, but need not necessarily be atleast partially disposed within a corresponding wheel well 64 or wheelretention portion positioned at or near the side and/or rear walls ofthe base 1, or otherwise in the rear bottom portions of the container 20or base 1. Particularly, in at least one embodiment, the wheels 62 aresubstantially constructed of rubber having a ten inch diameter, andinclude a bearing to facilitate rotation thereof, however, it should beapparent that other materials and sizes are contemplated within the fullspirit and scope of the present invention.

In addition, the wheels 62 of at least one embodiment may be connectedto one another via a single axle extending between the wheels 62 andalong a substantial portion of the width of the base 1. Additionally,the axle of at least one embodiment may reside or nest within an indenton the outside of the container 20 or base 1 which extends along asubstantial portion of the width and up into the wheel wells 64. Thenesting of the axle within the retention indent (not shown) isstructured to restrict or prevent the axle form twisting or rotating. Inthis manner, the wheels 62 may rotate via a bearing attached to the axleand/or wheels 62. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the axle mayinclude a metal or other rigid tube measuring approximately 0.79 inchesin diameter and 24.8 inches long although other dimensions, materialsand configurations structured to facilitate implementation of thepresent invention in the intended manner is contemplated.

In at least one embodiment, the outermost portion of the wheels 62 maybe flush with, recessed from, or only slightly extending beyond theouter surface of the side walls 23, 24 and rear wall 26. This allows thecontainers 20 and adjacent or adjoining side-by-side and end-to-endcontainers 20′ to engage, abut, mate or otherwise be disposed proximateone another without the restriction or substantial restriction from thewheels 62. It should be noted, however, that the wheels 62 of at leastone embodiment may extend beyond the bottom surface of the container 20,for instance, in order to allow a user to move or transport thecontainer 20 via the wheels 62 rotating on the surface, such as theground.

Furthermore, the plurality of interlocking, engaging or movementrestriction portions 30 of the container 20 of at least one embodimentof the present invention may include a wheel assembly receiving portion45 disposed on an upper portion of the container 20 and being configuredto at least partially receive and/or retain a portion of a wheelassembly from an adjacent or adjoining stacked container 20′. Inparticular, as shown in the exemplary view of FIG. 11, the wheels 62′ ofone container 20′ (e.g., a stacked container) will at least partiallyfit within the wheel assembly receiving portion 45 of a lower container20 upon which it is stacked.

For example, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the lid 2 of at least oneembodiment may be shaped, configured or at least partially constructedto define at least two spaced apart recesses, for instance, at a rearportion thereof. Those recesses may be cooperatively configured to allowthe wheels 62 of another, stacked container 20′ to pass into the wheelassembly receiving portion 45. Particularly, upon stacking a container20′, the wheels 62 of the stacked container 20′ may be positioned intothe wheel receiving portion 45. In this manner, as shown in FIG. 11, forexample, the containers 20, 20′ may be stacked upon one another whilethe wheels 62 fit within the wheel assembly receiving portions 45. Upondoing so, the extending or protruding wall(s) 46 and floor 47 thatdefine the recesses of the wheel assembly receiving portion 45 arestructured to at least partially restrict movement of the stackedcontainer 20 in at least one direction, including, for example, aside-to-side movement, twisting or rotating movement, etc. relative tothe lower container 20.

In addition, referring to FIGS. 3 and 9, the container 20 comprises anelongated bottom surface member, generally referenced as 48, disposedbetween the two wheels 62. Although, this elongated bottom surfacemember 48 is shown as a generally flat surface angled with respect tothe bottom wall 22 and rear wall 26 of the container, virtually any typeof surface may be contemplated. Either way, as shown in FIG. 1, the lid2 of at least one embodiment comprises at least one cooperativelystructured surface 49 that is configured to at least partially mate withthe elongated (or other) bottom surface of a stacked container 20′.Again, in the embodiment shown, the elongated bottom surface member 48of one container and the cooperative surface member 49 of the lid 2 ofanother container comprise cooperatively angled, yet substantially flatsurfaces that mate with one another. Although other surfaces, whetherangled, flat, smooth, bumpy, with ridges and recesses, etc. arecontemplated.

Further structural features of at least one embodiment of the presentinvention include at least one support foot 70 disposed at or near thebottom of the base 1, for example, in the front thereof as shown in theexemplary embodiment of FIGS. 1 through 9. Specifically, the foot 70 maycontact a support surface, such as the ground, pallet or an adjacent oradjoining lower container, and maintain the container 20 in asubstantially level or stable orientation. This may be particularlyuseful when loading or unloading the container 20, for example, withequipment, materials or other items, or in order to support the bottomcontainer(s) 20 in a stacked relation, as described herein.

In particular, certain embodiments may include a plurality of feet 70disposed in a spaced relation along the bottom of the container, whereasother embodiments may include a single foot 70 such as, but not limitedto an elongated foot.

In any event, the plurality of interlocking, engaging or movementrestriction portions 30 of the container 20 of at least one embodimentof the present invention may include at least one foot receiving portion72 disposed on an upper portion of the container 20 and being configuredto at least partially receive and/or retain at least a portion of a foot70 from an adjacent or adjoining and stacked container 20′. Inparticular, as shown in the exemplary view of FIG. 11, the feet 70′ ofone container 20′ (e.g., a stacked container) will at least partiallyfit within the a corresponding foot receiving portion 72 of a lowercontainer 20 upon which it is stacked.

For example, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the lid 2 of at least oneembodiment may be shaped, configured or at least partially constructedto define one or more recesses, for instance, at a front portion thereofor otherwise in a location which corresponds to the location of feet 70of a stacked container. The recess may be cooperatively configured toallow the foot or feet 70 of another, stacked container 20′ to pass intoa corresponding foot receiving portion 72. Particularly, upon stacking acontainer 20′, the foot or feet 70 of the stacked container 20′ may bepositioned into the foot receiving portion(s) 72. Upon doing so, in atleast one embodiment, extending wall(s) or surface(s), 73,74 that definethe recesses of the foot receiving portion(s) 72 are structured to atleast partially restrict movement of the stacked container 20′ in atleast one direction, including, for example, a side-to-side movement,twisting or rotating movement, etc. relative to the lower container 20.

In other embodiments, for example, the front edge of the lid 2 orcontainer 20 may be chamfered (not shown) such that when a container 20′is stacked thereon, the foot or feet 70 thereof may be positioned atleast partially onto, into, or along the chamfered portion. Forinstance, the interior edge of the support foot 70 may comprise anangled configuration cooperatively configured with the chamfered edge ofthe lid 2 allowing the containers 20 to be easily stacked.

Further embodiments of the present invention include at least one handleassembly 80 that can be used, in some cases, to carry or transport thecontainer 20, and in other cases, to interlock, engage or mate with anadjacent or adjoining container 20′, as will be described. Particularly,the handle assembly 80 of at least one embodiment may include a flexibleor bendable handle disposed on at least one end, side or other locationof the container, for example, in a recessed cavity 82. For example, inone embodiment, the handle assembly 80 may include a rope or other likesubstantially flexible and durable material that can be easily grabbedand manipulated in order to carry, pull, lift, or otherwise move thecontainer 20. In some embodiments, the container may include at leasttwo handle assemblies 80, for example, disposed on opposite ends oropposite sides of the container 20, allowing a user to grab both handles80, or allowing one user to grab one handle 80 and another user to grabthe other handle 80, for transportation of the container 20. It shouldbe noted that one or more handle assemblies 80 may be included orincorporated into other locations or portions of the container 20,including the lid 2, for example.

For instance, referring to the exemplary embodiment of the FIG. 1, thehandle assembly 80 may include a rope handle, forming a loop or partialloop. In such a manner, the handle assembly 80 may include two sides 83,84 that meet at a grip end 85, as shown. A rubber or other like grip maybe secured at the grip end 85 of the handle assembly 80. Of course,other handle assemblies 80 may be contemplated within the full spiritand scope of the present invention, including, for example, aretractable handle, slidingly engaged handle, tubular handle, or handleassemblies made of rigid or semi-rigid materials, including, but in noway limited to plastic, metal or a combination thereof.

In addition, the plurality of interlocking, engaging or movementrestriction portions 30 of the container 20 of at least one embodimentof the present invention may include a handle engagement portion 86cooperatively structured to receive, retain and interlock with a handleassembly 80′ from an adjacent or adjoining container 20′, such as anend-to-end container 20′, as shown in FIG. 13. Particularly, the handleengagement portion 86 of at least one embodiment is configured to retainthe handle assembly 80, such as, but not limited to, a flexible anddurable rope handle, in an interlocking and secure manner. As shown inFIG. 1, the handle engagement portion 86 of at least one embodiment isdisposed on a rear, upper portion of the lid 2, although other locationson the container 20 may be contemplated.

Specifically, the handle engagement portion 86 of at least oneembodiment includes at least one handle receiving region 87 disposedadjacent the end-to-end or other adjoining container 20′. The handlereceiving region 87 may include an opening or aperture defined by one ormore walls 88. In this manner, the handle assembly 80 may slide or fitwithin the opening of handle receiving region 87 and engage or interlockwith the one or more walls 88, for example.

Particularly, referring to the embodiment illustrated, the at leastpartially looped handle assembly 80 may slidingly fit into the twohandle receiving regions 87 by disposing the two sides 83, 84 of thehandle assembly therein. The grip end 85 of the handle assembly 80 maythus engage wall 88 of the handle engagement portion 86, as shown inFIG. 13. This will at least partially restrict movement of the container20 and/or the end-to-end adjoining container 20′ in at least onedirection, such as front to back direction.

Additional features of certain embodiments of the present invention mayinclude a locking assembly and/or latch 90 structured to securely holdor lock the lid 2 in a tightly closed relation with the base 1. Thelocking assembly 90 may be mechanically fastened to the lid 2 via anchorbolts, rubber washers and nuts. For example, the locking assembly orlatch 90 may include a cam operated latch embedded into the lid 2 anddisposable into and out of an engaging relation with an internal lipdisposed on the box or base 1. For instance a lever 92 (FIG. 1) may bemanually rotated in order for a cam 94 (FIG. 14) to engage the innerlip, thereby securely locking or holding the lid 2 in place viacompressive force against the gasket, for example, providing anair-tight and/or water-tight seal in certain embodiments. Unlocking ordisengaging the cam 94 allows the lid 2 to pivot open, and in someinstances the lid 2 may pivot 180 degrees to the open position. Thelocking assembly 90 may be equipped with a lock (e.g., keyed lock,combination lock, biometric lock, etc.)

As shown in FIG. 14, the locking assembly 90 of at least one embodimentmay include a multiple-point (e.g., a three-point) lock, meaning thatthere are multiple engaging portions on the inside of the lockingassembly 90 that engage with an internal lip or recess on the base 1 orcontainer 20. For example, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 14, inaddition to the cam 94, the locking assembly 90 may include additionallocking rods or members 95, 96 that engage or disengage with acooperative lip or recess in order to lock and unlock the lid 2,respectively. For instance, manipulating the handle 92 of the lockingassembly 90 to a locked position will simultaneously extend the cam 94and the additional locking members 95, 96 into a locked engagement witha cooperative lip or recess. Similarly, moving the handle 92 to anunlocked position, will simultaneously disengage the cam 94 and theadditional locking members 95, 96 from the cooperative lip or recess,thereby unlocking the lid 2. The multiple-point (or three-point) lockingassembly 90 provides additional security and locking power to thecontainer 20.

Referring again to FIG. 1, for example, the container(s) 20 of at leastone embodiment may also include a pressure equalization valve or drain15 disposed through the container 20, for example, in the base 1. Thevalve or drain 15 may be selectively opened and closed in order toequalize pressure or drain fluid from the container 20. For instance,the valve or drain 15 allows the container 20 to maintain a constantinternal pressure relative to the air pressure outside of the container20. For example, oftentimes the pressure inside the container 20 may beunequal to the pressure outside of the container 20, which canoftentimes create difficulty in opening the lid 2 and accessing theinterior portion 5 of the container 20. Accordingly, a user may open thevalue in order to equalize the pressure inside of the container 20relative to the outside pressure. In some embodiments, the pressureequalization valve 15 may be water proof or otherwise not pass waterthere through. However, in certain embodiments where the container 20 isused as a cooler or ice box, the drain 15 may be used to release excesswater from the interior portion of the container 5. Thus, opening thedrain 15 will create a pass through for fluid and other materials todrain or be released form the container 20. In a non-limiting exemplaryembodiment, the valve or drain 15 may be made of Gore-Tex and plasticand measure approximately 0.57 inches wide and 0.23 inches from the faceor surface of the container, although other materials, dimensions andconfigurations are contemplated.

Further embodiments may also include an additional retention slot oraperture 17 through which additional ropes, straps, cords, bungees, etc.may be secured or passed. As shown in FIG. 1, the retention slot 17 isdisposed in an at least partially recessed portion on an end of thecontainer 20 and can be included in a reinforced panel for additionalstrength and integrity. Accordingly, the slot 17 of at least oneembodiment may pass completely through a portion of the container 20allowing securing devices (e.g., ropes, straps, cords, etc.) to passthrough the slot 17 and used for additional tie-downs, handles, orinterlocking portions 30 of the present invention. For instance, usingthe additional retention slots 17, the container 20 may be tied orsecured to an object, e.g., a car, truck, or pallet, or another adjacentcontainer 20′.

Additional structural features of certain embodiments of the presentinvention may include further handles 93, 98 embedded, molded or formedas part of the container 20 in order to further facilitate manipulation(e.g., movement, carrying, lifting, pulling or pushing) of the container20. As an example, FIGS. 7 and 9 illustrate additional handle portions93 formed on or near the bottom of the container 20. The handle portions93 of the illustrated embodiment are defined by recesses in the base 1of the container which can be grabbed or gripped by a user. A pluralityof ridges, ripples or other like contours may be formed at one end ofeach of the resecess or handle portions 93 and can be used as fingerholds or portions upon which a user's fingers may easily engage forfaciliting the manipulation of the container.

Additional handle portions 98 are also illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 8and 9, which are formed by a ledge or overhang, for example, an at leastpartially downward overhang formed as part of the base 1 or container20. In the illustrated embodiments, the additional handle portions 98are shown as being located on the ends of the container 20 and as partof the recessed cavities 82 which contain the handle assemblies 80,discussed above. In this manner, a user may grab onto the overhang orledge of the additional handle portion 98 for facilitating manipulationof the container 20, if desired.

Referring now to FIG. 15, the containers 20 may be positioned in alateral side-by-side relation, front-to-back or end-to-end relation andstacked relation, for example, in order to maximize the space providedin a pallet, such as, but certainly not limited to a 463-L Pallet. Forexample, as shown in FIG. 15, containers 20 are illustrated as beingdisposed on a pallet 110, such as a 463-L pallet. In certainimplementations, the containers 20 are thus sized and configured suchthat they can be juxtaposed, adjoined, nested or adjacently disposed(side-by-side, end-to-end, and stacked) in a manner such that theycooperatively fit (e.g., at least three wide, at least three deep, andat least four stacked) on the pallet. Upon positioning the containers 20in a side-by-side, end-to-end or stacked relation to one another, thevarious interlocking, mating or engaging portions 30 of the presentinvention will interlock, mate or engage with corresponding portions ofthe adjacent or adjoining (side-by-side, end-to-end or stacked)container 20′, as described herein. The interlocking, mating or engagingportions 30 of the various embodiments are structured to maintain theadjacently positioned or adjoining containers 20′ in place, restrictingmovement between the containers 20, 20′, and minimizing collapse,especially during transportation.

Moreover, in certain embodiments, the entire lid 2 or at least someportions of the lid 2 may be constructed of double-walled rotationallymolded plastic to provide reinforcement or added strength to the lid 2allowing the ability to stack heavy loads on top of the lid 2 withoutthe potential of cracking or collapse.

Similarly, referring to FIGS. 16A and 16B, the box or base 1 of at leastone embodiment may be double-walled, for example, with a double-walledlip 28. In addition, the side walls 23, 24 and end walls 25, 26 may alsobe double-walled or otherwise include an inner and outer wall. Forexample, FIGS. 16A and 16B illustrate the double-walled configuration ofat least one embodiment of the present invention. It should be notedthat the double-walled configuration may be constructed using rotationalmolding, although virtually any manufacturing technique may beimplemented.

For example, the walls 23, 24, 25, 26 and in some embodiments the bottom22 and lid 2, may include an inner wall 200 and an outer wall 210. Asshown in FIG. 16B, the upper lip or edge 28 may also include adouble-walled construction and may be disposed on top of both the innerwall 200 and the outer wall 210. Such a configuration (i.e., thedouble-walled lip and walls of the base 1) provides added integrity andstability to the container 20 and allows the container 20 to be able towithstand heavy loads stacked thereupon, such as, other adjacentlystacked containers 20 which may be filled with heavy equipment orobjects.

In addition, at least one of the walls, e.g., inner wall 200 or outerwall 210, may include a corrugated or honeycomb like configuration inthat it may include alternating recesses 212 and protrusions 214, asillustrated via the outer wall 210 in FIG. 16A. The corrugatedconfiguration also provides added integrity and strength to thecontainer 20 such that the wall is able to support the lip or edge 28 ina more efficient manner.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 16B, in at least one embodiment, there maybe a space 205 between the inner wall 200 and out wall 210. This spacemay be at least partially filled with foam or other insulating material,if desired, and particularly, in the embodiment wherein the container 20may be used as a cooler or ice chest. Accordingly, not only does thedouble-walled configuration of at least one embodiment provide addedstrength and integrity, but it can also be used to provide insulationproperties, which can facilitate maintaining a substantially constanttemperature (whether hot or cold) on the interior thereof.

It should be noted, however, that certain embodiments of the presentinvention may include a single-walled configuration at certain portionsof the base 1. This can be used to maximize the interior dimension ofthe container and allow additional space for retaining items therein.For instance, the wall(s) 23, 24, 25, 26 of at least one embodiment mayinclude a single-layered outer wall 210 which can be used to support thelip or edge 28. For instance, this may be accomplished by removing anddiscarding the inner wall 200 (e.g., by physically cutting the innerwall 200 out), although in some implementations the container 20 may bemanufactured with a single-layered wall such that the inner wall neednot be removed. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the lip or edge 28 mayremain as a double-walled construction, as shown in FIG. 17B, forexample, which, as above, can facilitate the strength and integrity ofthe container 20, especially when heavy loads (or stacked containers)are placed thereon. Accordingly, in some embodiments, and as describedabove, the outer wall portion 210 of the container 20 may include acorrugated, honeycomb or other uneven configuration comprising aplurality of recessed and protruding portions. This type ofconfiguration can assist in the support of a double-walled lip in thatthe corrugated or other like wall 210 provides support to the lip oredge 28 in multiple areas via the recessed and extended portions of thecorrugated configuration, rather than a straight line.

Since other modifications and changes varied to fit particular operatingrequirements and environments will be apparent to those skilled in theart, the invention is not considered limited to the example chosen forpurposes of disclosure, and covers all changes and modifications whichdo not constitute departures from the true spirit and scope of thisinvention. This written description provides an illustrative explanationand/or account of the present invention. It may be possible to deliverequivalent benefits using variations of the specific embodiments,without departing from the inventive concept. This description and thesedrawings, therefore, are to be regarded as illustrative and notrestrictive.

Now that the invention has been described,

What is claimed is:
 1. A container, comprising: a base and a lid, saidbase comprising a bottom portion, at least two oppositely disposed sidewalls, and at least two oppositely disposed end walls, at least onehandle disposed on at least one of said two oppositely disposed endswalls, said lid disposable between an at least partially covering and atleast partially open relation to said base, at least one mating portionadapted to be disposable in an at least partially mating relation withat least one corresponding portion of at least one adjoining container,wherein said at least one mating portion of said container, whendisposed in the at least partially mating relation with the at least onecorresponding portion of the at least one adjoining container, isstructured to at least partially restrict movement of said containerrelative to the adjoining container in at least one direction, said atleast one mating portion of said container comprising a side protrusionadaptable to be disposed in said at least partially mating relation withthe at least one corresponding portion of the at least one adjoiningcontainer, wherein the at least one corresponding portion of the atleast one adjoining container comprises a corresponding side protrusion,and a handle engagement portion adapted to at least partially interlockwith a handle of an end-to-end one of the at least one adjoiningcontainer.
 2. The container as recited in claim 1 wherein said at leastone mating portion of said container comprises a positive outwardlyextending member.
 3. The container as recited in claim 2 wherein saidcontainer comprises a plurality of positive outwardly extending members,each being adapted to be disposable in an at least partially matingrelation with a corresponding portion of the adjoining container.
 4. Thecontainer as recited in claim 3 wherein at least one of the positiveoutwardly extending members of said container comprises an innerreceiving portion at least partially engagable by a lid closure assemblyto at least partially retain said lid in said at least partiallycovering relation to said base.
 5. The container as recited in claim 1wherein said container further comprises a wheel assembly comprising apair of wheels and wherein said at least one mating portion comprises awheel assembly receiving portion disposed on an upper portion of saidcontainer, said wheel assembly receiving portion being adapted to atleast partially receive a wheel assembly of a stacked one of the atleast one adjoining container.
 6. The container as recited in claim 5wherein said wheel assembly receiving portion comprises at least twospaced apart recesses at least partially defined on an external, upperportion of said lid, each of said spaced apart recesses being structuredand adapted to receive at least a portion of a wheel of the wheelassembly of the stacked one of the at least one adjoining container. 7.The container as recited in claim 1 wherein said at least one matingportion of said container further comprises a foot receiving portiondisposed on an upper portion of said container, said foot receivingportion being adapted to at least partially receive at least one foot ofa stacked one of the at least one adjoining container.
 8. The containeras recited in claim 1 wherein said handle engagement portion of saidcontainer comprises at least one handle receiving region disposedadjacent the end-to-end one of the at least one adjoining container. 9.The container as recited in claim 8 wherein said handle engagementportion comprises at least two open handle receiving portions structuredto slidingly receive and interlock with the handle of the end-to-end oneof the at least one adjoining container.
 10. The container as recited inclaim 9 wherein said handle engagement portion is disposed on a rear,upper portion of said lid.
 11. A container adapted to be disposed in amating relation with a plurality of additional containers, the pluralityof additional containers comprising at least one stacked container andat least one end-to-end container, the at least one stacked containerand the at least one end-to-end container being of a similarconstruction to said container, said container comprising: an at leastpartially open-top base and a lid, said base comprising a bottomportion, at least two side walls, and at least two end walls, said liddisposable in an at least partially covering and at least partially openrelation to said base, a wheel assembly comprising at least one pair ofwheels, a plurality of mating portions adapted to be matingly disposedwith corresponding portions of at least one of the plurality ofadditional containers, said plurality of mating portions comprising awheel assembly receiving portion disposed on an upper portion of saidcontainer, said wheel assembly receiving portion being adapted to atleast partially receive at least a portion of a wheel assembly of thestacked container, and said plurality of mating portions of saidcontainer further comprising at least one handle engagement portionadapted to be disposable in an at least partially interlocking relationwith a handle of the end-to-end container.
 12. The container as recitedin claim 11 wherein said plurality of mating portions further comprisesa foot receiving portion adapted to at least partially receive at leastone foot of the stacked container.
 13. The container as recited in claim11 wherein at least one of the plurality of additional containerscomprises a laterally disposed container, and said plurality of matingportions of said container further comprises at least one positiveoutwardly extending member extending from at least one side of saidcontainer, said side positive outwardly extending member being adaptedto be disposable in a mating relation with a corresponding positiveoutwardly extending member of the laterally disposed container.
 14. Thecontainer as recited in claim 11 wherein said at least one handleengagement portion comprises at least one open handle receiving portiondisposed on said lid and structured to slidingly receive the handle ofthe end-to-end container.
 15. A container adapted to be matinglydisposable in a lateral relation, end-to-end relation and a stackedrelation with a plurality of additional, similarly constructedcontainers, wherein said container and the plurality of additional,similarly constructed containers are collectively sized and configuredsuch that nine of said containers fit end-to-end and laterally within astandard 463-L pallet, said container comprising: an at least partiallyopen-top base and a lid, said base comprising a bottom portion, at leasttwo side walls, and at least two end walls, said lid being disposablebetween an at least partially covering and at least partially openrelation to said base, a plurality of mating portions adapted to bematingly disposable with corresponding portions of the plurality ofadditional, similarly constructed containers, wherein said plurality ofmating portions of said container, when matingly disposed with thecorresponding portions of the plurality of additional, similarlyconstructed containers, are structured to at least partially restrictmovement of said container relative to the plurality of additional,similarly constructed containers in at least one direction, saidplurality of mating portions comprising a plurality of side protrusions,each adapted to be disposable in a mating relation with a correspondingside protrusion of a laterally disposed one of the plurality ofadditional, similarly constructed containers, and said plurality ofmating portions further comprising at least one handle engagementportion adapted to be disposable in an at least partially interlockingengagement with a handle of an end-to-end one of the plurality ofadditional, similarly constructed containers.
 16. The container asrecited in claim 15 wherein said at least one handle engagement portioncomprises two at least partially open handle receiving portions disposedon said lid of said container and structured to slidingly receive thehandle of the end-to-end container.